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      Sheffield United have worst play-off record in English football history – but Blades cult hero backs them to break curse

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      SHEFFIELD UNITED legend Chris Basham believes Chris Wilder will break the club’s play-off curse and lead them back into the Premier League.Four losses in five games towards the end of the season wrecked the Blades’ chances of going up automatically as Leeds and Burnley took the top two spots.Sheffield United lost the play-off semi-final in 2022 to Nottingham Forest on penaltiesCredit: GettyKenny Miller celebrates scoring for Wolves in the 2003 Division One play-off final – one of FOUR Blades play-off final defeatsCredit: GettyKyle Walker was part of the United team that lost the 2009 Championship play-off final to BurnleyCredit: GettyBlades legend Chris Basham has backed his old side to triumph this timeCredit: GettyUnited have been involved in NINE play-offs, either in League One or the Championship, and lost the lot — the worst record of any team in EFL history.Only Huddersfield, Brentford and Preston (ten) have played more but they have all tasted success at least once.The Blades have also reached four finals and failed to score in any.They face Bristol City in the semi-finals this time – with the first leg at Ashton Gate on Thursday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Basham, 36, said: “Records are there to be broken and if anyone can do that it’s Chris and this group.“The manager has set some records already this season. “Wilder has broken records here before, whether it is winning streaks or leading us to ninth in the Premier League, our highest finish. So he’ll not be daunted, neither will the team.“They have had a great season when you consider this is very much a new team. He’s gone about his business well and the fans love him.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“They just had that crazy week where they lost three matches. But they now have a great opportunity in the play-offs.”Wilder agrees and is adamant history counts for nothing.Former Premier League boss in centre of huge tunnel brawl as tempers flare following dramatic Championship clashHe said: “There’s negativity in football right the way through, isn’t there? In everything, whatever club you’re at. “So everybody has to deal with that, but there’s no negativity in this group.“I’d rather be sat on the beach having achieved something, but I had a taste of it in 2010 and people always talk about it being the best way to go up“But we’ve got two unbelievably tough games before we can even start to think about that.“I’ve got too much respect for the game and the opposition to think that this is going to be straightforward, because it isn’t.“We’ve got to deal with two difficult games against a talented group of players who we’ve seen here at Bramall Lane, and played two tight games against this season. And I am expecting this to be no different over the next four or five days.“We’re going there to try and get a win and if they need a win coming up the road, then they’ll be trying to do that as well. There’ll be no negative approach.“We believe we can compete with any team in the division, and our away record has been outstanding.”Basham had a fantastic Blades career, making 394 appearances, before his career was ended when he  dislocated an ankle at Fulham in 2023.During that decade he won promotion to the Championship and twice to the Premier League.Basham’s testimonial was at Bramall Lane on Sunday between a Blades legends team and Sky Sports select side.Read More on The SunProceeds went to Weston Park as part of the charity’s attempts to secure a breakthrough MRI simulator cancer scanning machine.The former defender admitted: “It was an awful injury and such a shame to have my career ended like that.”BRISTOL CITY v SHEFFIELD UNITED VERDICTJUSTIN ALLEN’S guide to the Championship semi-final…United have had a good season. They finished the season averaging two points per game — before their points deduction — but have missed out to Leeds and Burnley, who both amassed ONE HUNDRED!BLADES fans were gutted not to get promoted automatically  after they lost four of their last six games — crucially three in a row to Oxford, Millwall and Plymouth.I always fear for a club that misses out on automatic promotion but they have had the time  to mentally reset.They are up against a Bristol City side that just about clung on to their play-off spot after just one win in their last five games.Sheff U won 2-1  in October at Ashton Gate but the Robins were brilliant in the March return, although they needed a late leveller.The Blades should edge this over two legs. A big performance from Championship player-of-the-season Gus Hamer will be needed — but City carry a threat through Nahki Wells and Anis Mehmeti.(First leg, Thursday May 8, 8pm; second leg Monday, May 12, 8pm) More

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      Bristol City boss using videos of star CROWD SURFING on pitch to inspire them against Sheffield United in play-offs

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      LIAM MANNING wants Ashton Gate to become a cauldron as Bristol City target promotion to the Premier League.And Robins gaffer Manning knows the fans have a crucial role to play against Sheffield United in the Championship semi-final first leg on Thursday night.Bristol City fans invaded the pitch after they clinched a play-off placeCredit: RexFans congratulate Bristol City boss Liam Manning on the pitch after the final dayCredit: RexManning has been using images of Robins fans celebrating the end of a 17-year wait for a  play-off place last weekend as he plots a route to Wembley glory.And he also eased the mounting pressure by sharing videos of City’s Japanese star Yu Hirakawa crowd surfing with delirious supporters after sixth spot was secured.It is all part of a bold left-field strategy as he bids to spring an upset when he pits his wits against Chris Wilder’s Blades.Manning said: “Our media department capture a lot of images and videos and we use a lot of them in all our team meetings.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“We use them as title pages and graphics and we were spoilt for choice at the weekend. “That’s because there were so many incredible images of people on the pitch and ones of pure emotion.“And it’s fair to say that they just showed that’s what the game does to you with those incredible highs.“But elsewhere we also saw the scenes of some unfortunate fans at clubs who experienced incredible lows as well.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“We’ve just tried to capture those images because you want the lads to be emotionally invested in the club.“And, for me, one of the best ways to achieve that is for them to see the impact that they can have on people.Former Premier League boss in centre of huge tunnel brawl as tempers flare following dramatic Championship clash“We showed them a couple of images of the fans and a video of Yu crowd surfing and that got a right good laugh as well among  the lads.”City must upset the odds to find a way past the Blades when their two-legged stress-fest gets under way at Ashton Gate on Thursday night.And while there is a feel-good factor among his players, Manning insists they are not just in the play-offs to make up the numbers.He said: “We should be proud of what we’ve achieved because a  play-off place has been a long time coming for this club.“I really enjoyed seeing how happy the fans were after the  Preston game when I walked round with my son Isaac because it really was special.“I’ve told the players to savour the experience of reaching the play-offs and I had a celebratory beer with my No 2, Chris Hogg, and a Chinese with our families.“We’ve also drawn on recent high-pressure games like the defeat  last week at Leeds because that’s  an important experience we can learn from.“But my players, my staff and myself are driven and ambitious, and we don’t want to just be part of the play-off, we want to compete and progress.“The play-off place is the accumulation of many people’s efforts behind the scenes over the course of the season.Read More on The Sun“It’s such a collective effort and, by way of example, our kitchen staff are phenomenal with all the care that goes into food for the players.“It’s my job to put out a side that equips itself well.”    BRISTOL CITY v SHEFFIELD UNITED VERDICTJUSTIN ALLEN’S guide to the Championship semi-finalUnited have had a good season. They finished the season averaging two points per game — before their points deduction — but have missed out to Leeds and Burnley, who both amassed ONE HUNDRED!BLADES fans were gutted not to get promoted automatically  after they lost four of their last six games — crucially three in a row to Oxford, Millwall and Plymouth.I always fear for a club that misses out on automatic promotion but they have had the time  to mentally reset.They are up against a Bristol City side that just about clung on to their play-off spot after just one win in their last five games.Sheff U won 2-1  in October at Ashton Gate but the Robins were brilliant in the March return, although they needed a late leveller.The Blades should edge this over two legs. A big performance from Championship player-of-the-season Gus Hamer will be needed — but City carry a threat through Nahki Wells and Anis Mehmeti.(First leg, Thursday May 8, 8pm; second leg Monday, May 12, 8pm) More

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      Enzo Maresca says Chelsea ‘are back’ but vows Blues will ‘win and bin’ Conference League as they target Europe’s elite

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      ENZO MARESCA claims Chelsea “are back” if they win the Conference League.The Blues — who last lifted a pot in February 2022 at the Club World Cup — are one step from the final.Enzo Maresca wants to win the Conference LeagueCredit: GettyChelsea are preparing for the second leg of the semi-finalCredit: PAChelsea beat Djurgarden 4-1 in the first legCredit: GettyAnd they will be the first club to win all four major European trophies if they go all the way.Maresca said: “It’s the only trophy that Chelsea haven’t won in the past and we can become the first club in Europe to win all the European competitions. So it’s good for the club.“Winning the Conference League trophy is a statement in terms of that.“You can say Chelsea are back because first of all you win a trophy and it’s more a way to start and to build a winning mentality with this squad.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Conference League is considered a third-rate tournament way below the Blues’ lofty ambitions.Chelsea — who have previously locked the Champions League, Europa League and Super Cup trophies in their cabinet — are putting a positive spin on it to lift the fans.Maresca also wants to boost the confidence of the Prem’s youngest squad — and a team of kids likely to include the likes of Tyrique George, 19.Beating Prem champs Liverpool 3-1 on Sunday has given Chelsea a boost.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSForward Cole Palmer followed up his goal by enjoying his 23rd birthday on Tuesday.Maresca said: “Cole had a good game against Liverpool, scored a goal, and then he celebrated his birthday.Chelsea star Cole Palmer explains how 100 versions of himself would beat one gorillaChelsea beat Liverpool on the weekend to boost their Champions League hopesCredit: GettyCole Palmer broke his goal drought with to make it 3-1Credit: Alamy“We had a session, I don’t know if he did something different, but he’s in a good mood.”Chelsea will have less than 72 hours to recover from their semi-final second leg against Swedish side Djurgardens before an important match at Newcastle — one of their main rivals for a Champions League place next season.Maresca said: “Last week we arrived here in the UK at 4-5 o’clock in the morning from Sweden and then Sunday we had the game.“It will be the same this weekend but we’re going to try to be ready for this game and for Sunday’s game.”Chelsea enjoy a commanding 4-1 lead from the first leg but Maresca will not ease up with his tactics.He said: “We try for every game to start with the best XI.”Despite the aim to win the competition, Maresca suggested it is a “win it and bin it mission”.The manager is already setting his sights on more glamorous competitions moving forward.He said: “Hopefully in the future we can be in different competitions but, at the moment, the reality is the reality.”We need to start from there. We’re playing in the Conference League.”If you play in the Conference you cannot win the Champions League — if you play in the Conference League you cannot win the Europa League.”If you play in the Conference the only trophy you can win is this. We’ll try our best to reach the final and then to win it.”It’s a good starting point to start to build a winning mentality and win games and trophies.”I try to convince the players that first of all, day by day, you have to build the winner’s mentality, try to win from the play-off and try to win this competition.”Victory in Poland on May 28 is purely an unromantic box-ticking exercise, designed to trigger a new era of success at Stamford Bridge in bigger and better competitions.In 2019, it was a similar story when Maurizio Sarri led them to the Europa League title against Arsenal in Azerbaijan.Chelsea had already finished third to qualify for the next season’s Champions League. The Europa League was a night out but an irrelevance.Maresca is painting an upbeat vision of the future as he approaches the end of his first season in charge. One full of highs and lows to reflect life at Chelsea.But it is also an honest admission of how far the club have fallen from their once domineering presence as serial champions.Chelsea have won the Champions League twice in their recent historyCredit: GettyThe most recent success came in 2021 as the Blues beat Man CityCredit: AFPA staggering 19 trophies in the 19 years under former owner Roman Abramovich, then turmoil.Turmoil of Abramovich’s fire sale in light of the Russia-Ukraine war, the emergency takeover by an American-led consortium, plus five managers in just over three years.And more than a billion quid splurged assembling a squad which finished sixth last season and 12th the year before.Even for a club that once tried to electrocute their own fans with high-voltage perimeter fencing, that is a dramatic turn of events.If Abramovich was still in charge, it is unlikely Chelsea would be stooping so low as to face Sweden’s 11th best team in Europe’s third-rate competition.Maresca admits Chelsea deserve to be where they are — a launchpad to success.As a midfielder, Maresca won three European trophies: the old Uefa Cup twice and the Super Cup with Sevilla.This came after landing the Italian title with Juventus. All of the triumphs are stepping stones.He said: “It’s important because it shapes you a little bit. All the experience.“Probably the best experience in terms of winning mentality was with Juventus. It’s a club where you realise even in training sessions you want to win the small-sided game.“So it’s a winner’s mentality. It’s nice to win trophies because you learn how to win.“We mentioned many times that Chelsea is a big club with many important trophies in the past.“But we need to learn how to win with this squad.”Captain Reece James is a Champions League winner. Vice-skipper Enzo Fernandez was part of the World Cup-winning Argentina squad in 2022.There are other gongs scattered here and there but, by and large, the Chelsea dressing room does not mirror the club’s glittering past.Maresca is wary of Djurgardens despite his team’s commanding 4-1 lead from the first leg.Chelsea beat Legia Warsaw 3-0 away in the last round and crashed to a  2-1 defeat at home in the second leg because they felt too comfortable.Read More on The SunMaresca chastised his players for that performance and will not tolerate a repeat. He said: “After the first leg, I said that the second game against Warsaw was not good enough.“So that experience hopefully is going to help us, the players and us, to win again and continue to build the momentum.”Win a trip to the UEFA Conference League Final in Wroclaw with Hankook More

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      When is the Champions League final 2025? Kick-off time, TV channel, live stream and teams

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      OUR Champions League finalists have officially been confirmed!Inter Milan were the first to progress to Munich after they edged a semi-final classic, beating Barcelona 7-6 on aggregate.Davide Frattesi’s extra-time winner secured Inter Milan’s spot in the Champions League finalCredit: GettyPSG will be the side to face Inter Milan in the Champions League finalCredit: EPAThe Italians were forced to wait to discover their opponents for the final as PSG and Arsenal contested their second leg a day later.The French giants took a 1-0 lead into the return leg in Paris – and they made no mistake on home turf.PSG secured a 3-1 aggregate win over Arsenal and will be the side to face Inter in this year’s Champions League final.PSG VS ARSENAL LIVE – LATEST UPDATESWhen is the Champions League final 2025?The 2025 Champions League final will take place on Saturday, May 31.Kick off will be at 8pm BST.The Allianz Arena in Munich will host.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhat TV channel will the Champions League final 2025 be on and can it be live streamed?The 2025 Champions League final will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1.Last year, the Champions League final was available to live stream for FREE via the discovery+ app/website.It remains to be seen if the broadcaster will provide a free stream for the match this year.SunSport’s live blog will bring you minute-by-minute coverage of the Champions League final.Will the Champions League final 2025 be on YouTube?Last year, the Champions League final wasn’t shown on YouTube, which was a shock to many fans as it had been aired on the platform from 2016 to 2023.The match was previously available to watch on BT Sport’s official YouTube channel.However, that was not the case in 2024 due to BT Sport merging with discovery+ and Eurosport under the TNT Sports brand.Most read in Champions LeagueAnd instead of broadcasting the final for free on YouTube, the broadcaster opted to provide a free stream on their app, discovery+It’s unclear whether or not TNT Sports will broadcast the final across their YouTube channels or stick with making the huge match free to watch on discovery+, or simply not make it free to watch at all. More

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      PSG 2 Arsenal 1 (3-1 agg): Gunners’ season over as Arteta’s side rue missed chances and Donnarumma puts on masterclass

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      NOT for the first time, Mikel Arteta’s failure to do the bloody obvious and sign a no9 properly bit him on the backside.Declan Rice had called on his team to show “big balls” but what they really needed in this semi-final was a big striker.Paris Saint-Germain are into the Champions League finalCredit: ReutersAchraf Hakimi netted the winner in a thrilling game at the Parc des PrincesCredit: AFPArsenal suffered a frustrating evening with missed chances in front of goalCredit: RexArsenal suffer defeat in the semi-final 16 years on from their previous last four knock-outCredit: GettyDeclan Rice glanced an early header narrowly wideCredit: GettyFabian Ruiz scored a superb opener for PSGCredit: ReutersDavid Raya saved a Vitinha penaltyCredit: EPAOllie Watkins, who Arsenal tried to sign in January, would have made a difference. The same goes for Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, a forward they wanted last year and will try and look to bring in again this summer.While swashbuckling PSG continued their emergence as a major European football force, Arsenal will now be left to reflect on what could have been.Fabian Ruiz put PSG ahead and, while Vitinha saw his 69th-minute penalty superbly saved by David Raya, Achraf Hakimi made it 2-0 with a great finish.Bukayo Saka pulled one back and then missed a great chance which, maybe, could have forced a PSG collapse.READ MORE ON ARSENALYet ultimately, Arteta’s team did not really do enough despite a late flourish and can not have too many complaints.Yet had Arsenal scored three times in a terrific early spell when PSG seemed to be doing their best to choke on the big occasion, we would certainly have had a very different semi-final. Maybe one to match the madness of the one 24 hours earlier.While Paris may be known as the city of love, Arsenal fans will not feel that way.It is 19 years since Arsene Wenger’s fine team were beaten in the final by Barcelona at the Stade De France and this latest defeat will be just as painful.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSPSG will fancy their chances against Inter Milan in the final but so would Arsenal and rightly so. This game, but also this season, has been one hell of a missed opportunity for Arsenal.PSG may have reached the final five years ago but it feels as though this could now be their time.French riot police ‘tear gas entire streets’ as fans ‘throw fireworks’ in chaotic scenes before PSG vs ArsenalSaka pulled one backCredit: ReutersThey have now beaten Manchester City this season in the group stages and then dumped Liverpool, Aston Villa and now Arsenal out of the competition.Initially, Arsenal overwhelmed PSG in an absorbing start but they had nothing to show for it.Declan Rice headed Jurrien Timber’s cross wide and Gianluigi Donnarumma used his knee to keep out a volley from Gabriel Martinelli.Donnarumma seems to save his best for English teams as he saved two penalties in the Euro 2020 final shoot-out and was then also the spot-kick hero at Anfield.He was at full stretch to turn around a low, powerful shot from Martin Odegaard with the PSG defence once again struggling with a long throw from Thomas Partey.Donnarumma asked for treatment, claiming to be injured, but he was doing it to waste a bit of time as his team were on the ropes. He tried to take the sting out of Arsenal’s confident, high energy start and it certainly worked.PSG finally found the zip which was lacking in the first 20 minutes and after Khvicha Kvaratskhelia hit the post, Ruiz struck his first ever Champions League goal.Rice picked up a booking for wrapping his legs around Kvaratskhelia but it got much worse from Vitinha’s free-kick.Partey delivered a headed clearance but Ruiz delivered a magnificent first touch with his chest to steer the ball away from Martinelli and then unleashed a fine finish from the edge of the area. It did seem to take a slight touch off William Saliba who turned his back ahead of the shot.Arsenal ratings v PSG ARSENAL’S Champions League dream ended in tears as they failed to revolt against Paris Saint-Germain in Paris.The Gunners came flying out of the blocks and tested Gianluigi Donnarumma early, but it seemed it was going to be one of those nights from the get go. And so it proved.Despite early pressure, Arsenal found themselves behind following a Fabian Ruiz volley.Achraf Hakimi then added a brutal second mere moments after David Raya had kept Arsenal in the tie by denying Vitinha from the penalty spot.But Bukayo Saka, who had been denied all night by old nemesis Donnarumma, finally bested the Italian in the 76th minute when he made the most of a deflected cross to round him and fire into the net.With the deficit on the night halved, Saka then had the chance to level the score as he was found free in the middle with an open goal at his mercy.But the winger was unable to keep the ball down once he made contact and saw his effort sail miles over the bar.PSG then saw out the result without further worry to book their spot in the Munich final against Inter Milan.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the Gunners in Paris.Arteta went crazy in his technical area. He called over Rice for some advice and tried in vain to get a message to Saka but it was too noisy inside the stadium. Martintelli was ordered to the touchline before being dispatched to the other side of the pitch to give Saka instructions.There was a moment when Saka delivered a ball into the area but there was no-one there and he threw his arms in the air with frustration.Saka produced Arsenal’s best chance after the hour but once again, Donnarumma used his huge frame to somehow keep out the effort.A minute later, VAR spotted a handball from Myles Lewis-Skelly which blocked a shot from Hakimi.Raya delivered an excellent save to keep out Vitinha’s penalty, although a super-slow run-up made his spot-kick easy to predict.Defender Hakimi then delivered a striker’s finish after a mistake by Partey to put Enrique’s team in total control.There was some hope for Arsenal when Saka rounded Donnarumma to pull one back while PSG players appealed in vain for a foul from Leandro Trossard on Marquinhos.Read More on The SunAnd the moment which could have maybe changed the tie came when Saka somehow missed from close range but he shinned the ball over from a few yards.Once again, had Arsenal had a No9, it could have been oh so different. 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      PSG vs Arsenal LIVE RESULT: Gunners CRASH OUT of Champions League as Parisians make Arteta’s side pay for missed chances

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      ARSENAL are out of the Champions League following a 3-1 aggregate defeat to PSG in the semi-finals.After a frantic start, the Parisians took total control when Fabian Ruiz’s thunderbolt gave the hosts a 2-0 lead in the tie.In the 69th minute, PSG were handed a controversial penalty, but David Raya came to Arsenal’s rescue as the Spaniard kept out Vitinha’s woeful spot kick.Moments later, the Gunners did fall further behind after Achraf Hakimi slotted home to make it 3-0 on aggregate.Bukayo Saka gave Arsenal hope with more than a quarter of an hour to play, but it wasn’t to be for Mikel Arteta’s side as PSG head to Munich to face Inter Milan in the Champions League final later this month.Match result: PSG 2-1 Arsenal (AGG 3-1)PSG team: Donnarumma, Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes, Neves, Vitinha, Ruiz, Doue, Barcola, KvaratskheliaArsenal team: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly, Partey, Rice, Odegaard, Merino, Saka, MartinelliCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Hakimi hails ‘genius’ EnriqueAchraf Hakimi played another starring role for Paris Saint-Germain, and then paid tribute to the manager who has led them to the final showdown in Munich.The Moroccan right-back scored the important second goal at the Parc des Princes, but was quick to shine the spotlight on his Spanish coach afterwards.Having lost some star individuals, Enrique has rebuilt the club to produce a young, exciting side that play together as a team more than any other PSG outfit in recent memory.Luis Enrique has done an incredible job since he’s arrived. He’s created a fantastic team, and there’s a lot of work that goes into doing that. He’s a master. He’s a genius.Achraf HakimiCanal+Copy linkCopiedGunners starved of semi successAfter elimination in Paris, Arsenal have now failed to progress from each of their last four major cup semi-finals.It is the club’s their longest ever losing run at this stage of competitions, and all four exits have come under the management of Mikel Arteta.3-2 agg defeat v PSG (Champions League, 2024-25)4-0 agg defeat v Newcastle (League Cup, 2024-25)2-0 agg defeat v Liverpool (League Cup, 2021-22)2-1 agg defeat v Villarreal (Europa League, 2020-21)Copy linkCopiedSaka makes mark on biggest stageIt wasn’t to be for Arsenal but Bukayo Saka did at least give the Gunners hope late on – and something to celebrate too.In scoring, Saka brought up his 10th Champions League goal in what is just his 18th appearance in the competition.The only Englishman to reach 10 goals in fewer Champions League games is Harry Kane (12).Copy linkCopiedOdegaard: We gave our allArsenal captain Martin Odegaard believes his side did all they could in the cauldron of the Parc des Princes.Speaking after the Gunners’ Champions League semi-final elimination, the midfielder revealed he was proud of the team’s effort, adding that fine margins at either end were the difference.We gave it a proper go. We started the game really well, were on the front foot, had the momentum and created a few big chances. In the end, it wasn’t enough. I think between the boxes we did well, and then inside the boxes we weren’t good enough over the two legs. Credit to their goalkeeper, who made some great saves.Martin OdegaardTNT SportsCopy linkCopiedDonna go all the wayIt’s been a difficult couple of seasons for Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, but performances like tonight will go a long way to restoring his reputation as one of the best in the world.The Italian made superb stops to deny Gabriel Martinelli, Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka, helping to keep a rampant Arsenal at bay in the opening 20 minutes at the Parc des Princes.Copy linkCopiedHistory-making Myles going placesMyles Lewis-Skelly was given a difficult night by PSG’s stellar attack, but that shouldn’t take away from what is a fabulous personal achievement.At 18 years and 223 days, the left-back became the fifth-youngest player, the youngest English player, and the youngest player for an English club, to start both legs of a Champions League semi-final.Copy linkCopiedArteta: Donnarumma was the differenceMikel Arteta believes his Arsenal team would be in the Champions League final had it not been for the heroics of PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.The Italian stopper made a series of fine saves over the two legs, and was at his best when Arsenal started on the front foot at the Parc des Princes.Firstly, congratulations to PSG for reaching the final. The assessment I will make when I am a little cooler. When you look at the two games, the best player on the pitch has been their goalkeeper. He has been the difference for them in the tie. We were very close, much closer than the result showed but unfortunately we are out. I am very proud of the players.Mikel ArtetaTNT SportsCopy linkCopied201 and out for ArsenalSo Paris Saint-Germain have reached just their fourth major European final.The Parisians reached the 1996 and 1997 Cup Winners’ Cup finals, winning the first of those, and then made 2020 Champions League final that they lost behind closed doors in Lisbon to Bayern Munich.As for Arsenal, they have been eliminated at the semi-final stage of Europe’s premier competition for the first time since 2008-09.Tonight was their 201st match in the Champions League, the most of any club who have never lifted the trophy.Copy linkCopiedMatch stats from the Parc des PrincesArsenal produced an xG of 3.14 tonight, the most by a team against Paris SG in a Champions League game this season.Their 19 shots were also their most in a knockout match since having 20 away at Barcelona in March 2016.The Gunners went down fighting.Copy linkCopiedFull time – PSG 2-1 Arsenal (Agg: 3-1)It’s all over! Paris Saint-Germain are off to Munich in three weeks to face Inter Milan in the final of the Champions League.As the fireworks begin again, the Arsenal players sink to their knees, but they can at least take solace in a committed second leg performance.”I think Arsenal did enough to get something from tonight,” says Ally McCoist. “But I’m not sure it was enough to win the tie.”PSG will prepare for their second Champions League final, while Arsenal will turn their attentions back to the Premier League and ensuring they finish second so that they can return to the biggest European stage again next term.Copy linkCopiedPSG 2-1 Arsenal (Agg: 3-1)90+4. Arsenal’s season is close to a conclusion, but they have beaten over two legs by a fabulous football team.PSG will take some stopping in the final.Copy linkCopiedPSG 2-1 Arsenal (Agg: 3-1)90+2. Trossard makes room for himself in the box after cutting in from the left.For a moment, the path looks clear, but as the Belgian gets his shot away, a sea of PSG defenders dive across to block.Copy linkCopiedPSG 2-1 Arsenal (Agg: 3-1)90. Five minutes of additional time are signalled by the fourth official.The Gunners now need something remarkable, something of Lucas Moura proportions to progress. Copy linkCopiedPSG 2-1 Arsenal (Agg: 3-1)88. That man Kvaratskhelia wins a throw-in with a determined tackle, and responds by whipping the crowd up.I’m not sure these home fans need much incentive, mind you. They’re two minutes plus stoppages away from another Champions League final.Copy linkCopiedPSG 2-1 Arsenal (Agg: 3-1)86. Now Saka goes into the book.The England international isn’t too sure why, but he’s been penalised for a challenge on the halfway line.UEFA and Opta suggest it’s for dissent, but I can’t imagine that – he’s a lovely boy.Copy linkCopiedPSG 2-1 Arsenal (Agg: 3-1)84. Calafiori and Kvaratskhelia are both booked for a barney off the ball, and it’s exactly the kind of thing that teams trying to run the clock down love to see.More time ticks away, and Munich is in sight for Paris Saint-Germain.Copy linkCopiedPSG 2-1 Arsenal (Agg: 3-1)82. Mikel Arteta’s lack of attacking options are being highlighted here.Riccardo Calafiori has already been introduced, and now Ben White is on with Arsenal desperate for goals.Copy linkCopiedPSG 2-1 Arsenal (Agg: 3-1)79. Saka again!! Yes!!No!! It’s over!! Somehow, Bukayo Saka has missed an open goal from 10 yards out!!The Arsenal star gets on the end of a whipped cross from Calafiori on the left, only to steer it over the crossbar with the goal gaping.Whether it was the pace of the delivery, the dive of Donnarumma before him or the fact that he was leaning back, it was a chance you would expect Saka to score every single time.How different this upcoming 10 minutes could have been.Copy linkCopiedPSG 2-1 Arsenal (Agg: 3-1)76. No more than a consolation or the start of something special?!Bukayo Saka has Arsenal on the scoresheet for the first time in the tie, and maybe, just maybe…Substitute Leandro Trossard outmuscles Marquinhos on the left, and with the PSG players appealing for a foul, referee Felix Zwayer waves play on.The Belgian centres for Saka, who gets some good fortune with a kind bounce off Willian Pacho and then Lucas Hernández, allowing him to tap into an empty net.Copy linkCopiedLate hope!Copy linkCopiedPSG 2-0 Arsenal (Agg: 3-0)74. “Arsenal are playing for the badge now,” says Martin Keown on TNT Sports commentary.Copy linkCopiedPSG 2-0 Arsenal (Agg: 3-0)72. Achraf Hakimi spells the end of Arsenal’s Champions League campaign!PSG’s marauding right-back makes his mark in the opposition penalty area once again, finishing with the aplomb of a top-level centre-forward time after time.Here he takes advantage of a lacklustre challenge from Thomas Partey to nip, receive a tidy lay-off from substitute Ousmane Dembele, and steers into the far corner beyond David Raya.It’s a goal that almost takes the roof off the Parc des Princes, and has PSG heading to Munich to take on Internazionale.Copy linkCopiedGame over!Copy linkCopiedPSG 1-0 Arsenal (Agg: 2-0)70. Arsenal must take advantage of that Raya save, and they have to do it now.Otherwise, it’s game over.Copy linkCopiedPSG 1-0 Arsenal (Agg: 2-0)69. David Raya saves Vitinha’s penalty!It’s an awful spotkick from the Portuguese midfielder, who stutters in the slowest of run-ups before rolling it softly towards the bottom right corner.That would have sealed this semi-final tie, but the midfielder’s miscue means Arsenal still have hope to cling to.Raya is congratulated by his teammates, but quickly reminds them that they have a huge job to do!Copy linkCopied More

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      PSG given controversial penalty v Arsenal by ref who was banned for match-fixing but Vitinha hits ‘worst spot kick ever’

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      PSG were handed a controversial penalty in their Champions League clash with Arsenal.The Gunners were chasing the game when disaster struck when Felix Zwayer was sent to the monitor in the second half.PSG were given a penalty for a handball by Myles Lewis-SkellyCredit: TNT SPORTSVitinha’s effort was appallingCredit: ReutersArsenal were already trailing 2-0 on aggregate as Fabian Ruiz had scored in the first half.It quickly appeared that Mikel Arteta’s side were in trouble as replays showed that Achraf Hakimi’s strike had hit Myles Lewis-Skelly’s outstretched hand.Zwayer had initially waved play on when the incident occurred and only gave a penalty at a second viewing after a VAR referral.The intervention came despite no appeals from the PSG players.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSome even thought it could have been for an earlier challenge on Bukayo Saka.Fans reacted to the bizarre moment on social media as one said it was one of the “worst decisions ever” while another called it “bulls***”.The German is one of Uefa’s top referees but does have a chequered past as he was previously banned for match-fixing.Vitinha stepped up to take the penalty but completely fluffed his lines.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe midfielder took an age to perform his run-up before hitting a tame effort to the right side of the goal.Arsenal stopper David Raya made the save as he stopped the former Wolves star continuing his perfect record from the spot.Arsenal fan Micah Richards MISSING from CBS Sports panel for crunch clash with PSG… as he parties with Gooners in ParisMark Halsey on PSG penaltyPSG’s second-half penalty was absolutely ridiculous.It hardly even touches Myles Lewis-Skelly’s hand from Achraf Hakimi’s shot.The Paris Saint-Germain man did not even appeal and it must have been a feather of a touch on his hand.It was not a clear-and-obvious error, so VAR should never have got involved.The touch did not change the direction of the ball and Lewis-Skelly’s arm was in a natural position for that phase of play.Justice was done as keeper David Raya saved Vitinha’s penalty because it should never have been one in the first place.And fans have hailed the effort as one of the “worst ever”.One posted: “Possibly the worst penalty I’ve ever seen, that ‘run-up’ is ridiculous.”A second wrote: “This is the worst penalty I’ve ever witnessed.”A third commented: “What a terrible penalty by Vitinha.”A fourth said: “That Vitinha penalty run-up was the worst ever.”Another added: “Vitinha taking a penalty that bad to achieve justice in the game. Top class.”PSG did extend their lead just minutes later as Hakimi was able to beat Raya from the edge of the box.Arsenal did force their way back into the match as Saka scored in the 76th minute to get themselves off the mark in the two-legged affair.Read More on The SunThe goal turned out to be just a consolation as the Gunners could not muster another serious attempt on goal.Arteta’s side crashed out at the full-time whistle as PSG progressed to the final to take on Inter Milan in Munich. More

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      ‘Spurs does crazy things to people’ – Postecoglou takes swipe at Wenger as Arsenal legend proposes shock rule change

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      ANGE POSTECOGLOU has hit back at Arsene Wenger after he claimed the Europa League winners should NOT get a Champions League spot.Tottenham go into their semi-final second leg against Bodo/Glimt with a 3-1 lead as they look to qualify for Europe’s elite competition next season.Ange Postecoglou has hit back at Arsene Wenger’s remarksCredit: RexWenger said the Europa League winners should not be in the Champions League next seasonCredit: SplashBut ahead of tomorrow’s huge tie, legendary Arsenal boss Wenger said Uefa need to look at ditching the rule that rewards the Europa League champions.Spurs manager Postecoglou hit back when asked about the comments, saying: “Well, that’s a debate that’s been raging for years, mate… at least the last eight days.”I’ve said it before mate, Spurs does crazy things to people, it does.”You put that club into any sentence or any issue, and invariably they all come out to diminish as much as they can.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Why wasn’t it an issue before and it’s an issue now? What’s the difference? I don’t understand what the difference is.”Last year fifth didn’t get you Champions League, this year it does. There are competition rules.“I’ve got a great respect for Arsene but it does crazy things to people – I love it. “But it’s Spurs mate, they love it. They love it.”Most read in Europa LeagueBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe rule that the Europa League winners qualify for the Champions League has been around since the 2014-15 campaign.But Wenger is not a fan of it, saying on BeIN Sports: “No – they should qualify automatically for the Europa League again but not necessarily for the Champions League.Ange Postecoglou gives bleak update on Tottenham future even if he wins Europa League “Especially when you’re in the Premier League where already five teams qualify.”I think it’s something (for Uefa) to think about and to review.”On the other hand people will tell you that to keep the Europa League focused, interesting and motivated you need to give them that prize.” More